Psalms 118:17-19

17 I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done.
18 The LORD has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over to death.
19 Open for me the gates of the righteous; I will enter and give thanks to the LORD.

Psalms 118:17-19 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 118

Kimchi says their Rabbins are divided about this psalm. Some understand it of David; others of the Messiah: but, with us Christians, there ought to be no doubt of its belonging to the Messiah; since our Lord has quoted a passage out of it, and applied it to himself, Ps 118:22,23; see Mt 21:42; and so has the Apostle Peter, Ac 4:11. Nor did the Jews of those times object thereunto, which doubtless they would have done, had the psalm respected any other but the Messiah; yea, the common people that attended Christ when he entered into Jerusalem, and the children in the temple, took their "hosanna" from hence, Ps 118:26; see Mt 21:9,15. It is generally thought to be written by David, after he was established in the kingdom, and had brought the ark of the Lord into the city. It concludes the great "Hallel", or hymn sung at the Jewish festivals; particularly at the feasts of tabernacle and the passover.

Cross References 6

  • 1. Psalms 6:5; Habakkuk 1:12
  • 2. Exodus 15:6; S Deuteronomy 32:3; Psalms 64:9; Psalms 71:16; Psalms 73:28
  • 3. Jeremiah 31:18; 1 Corinthians 11:32; Hebrews 12:5
  • 4. Psalms 86:13; 2 Corinthians 6:9
  • 5. S Psalms 24:7; Isaiah 26:2
  • 6. Psalms 100:4
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